They grow in silence
Eugene D. Mindel, McCay Vernon, National Association for the Deaf
They grow in silence
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Understanding Deaf Children and Adults
by Eugene D. Mindel, McCay Vernon, National Association for the Deaf
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The world around you hums with sounds you can’t hear—the rustle of leaves, the chatter of friends, the gentle tapping of footsteps. Now imagine growing up in a place where silence is the loudest voice, and every gesture speaks volumes. What feelings stir in a heart that listens with eyes instead of ears?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This thoughtful book offers a comprehensive look at the experiences of deaf children and adults, exploring the psychological, educational, and social aspects of deafness. Written for middle-grade readers, it emphasizes the challenges of communication and language access while encouraging empathy and understanding. Parents should note that while the book covers many important topics, it presents perspectives from the 1980s and may not address some newer developments such as cochlear implants in detail.
Why we rated They grow in silence 11LN
They grow in silence is written at a Level 6 reading level across 204 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, They grow in silence works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate They grow in silence as 11LN ("Light — Neutral") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Deafness, Communication Challenges.
Thematically, They grow in silence explores deaf children, family relationships, psychological aspects, communication, and disability representation — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about deaf children, family relationships, psychological aspects.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LN — Light — NeutralLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Psychological Perspectives on Deafness
Marc Marschark
Psychological Perspectives on Deafness
Marc Marschark
Your child's hearing loss
Debby Waldman
Your child's hearing loss
Debby Waldman
Words for a deaf daughter
Paul West
Words for a deaf daughter
Paul West
Psychological development of deaf children
Marc Marschark
Psychological development of deaf children
Marc Marschark
Learning to listen
Pat Vaughan
Learning to listen
Pat Vaughan
Cant Your Child Hear
Roger D. Freeman
Cant Your Child Hear
Roger D. Freeman
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780890793251
- Pages
- 204
- Publisher
- Austin, Tex. : PRO-ED
- Published
- 1991
- Type
- Nonfiction